Case Study – Space Projects

Posted7th August 2017bym3cube

Devtank Limited have worked with a major UK based Space Equipment supplier to provide worst case analysis WCA and parts stress analysis PSA in accordance with ECSS-Q-H-30-01A and ECSS-Q-ST-30-11C on a UHF receiver and digital radio, using both micro and FPGA technologies.

The ECSS standards were followed for the WCA by identifying the various sub blocks that combine to form the system or module and then performing detailed analysis of the sub blocks in terms of component production variation, temperature variation, effects of radiation and ageing BOL and EOL effects.

Monte-Carlo simulation was used to determine the effects of the component variations on the circuit performance.
Analogue simulations were conducted on critical circuit areas using the Simetrix® software.

The analysis was performed to ensure the sub blocks continue to function at the end of mission life, voltage rails remain within specified limits, over current and reset circuits continue to function. In particular attention was paid to the LNA output power level to ensure sufficient drive level was available at the ADC at the EOL, maximum power levels are not exceeded under overdrive conditions for the RF chain.